Anila Ali, president of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council, said that confronting Islamist extremism requires Muslim voices willing to challenge hatred within their communities. Speaking on the Viktor Frankl Podcast with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, Ali warned that rising antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attacks stems from years of radicalization and growing extremist influence.
Ali, a prominent advocate for religious freedom and Muslim-Jewish cooperation, contended that political leaders who do not confront hatred embolden those seeking to divide Americans and intimidate the Jewish community.
Describing her path from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to the United States, Ali said she came seeking constitutional freedoms but encountered antisemitic and anti-American rhetoric after the September 11 attacks. This experience prompted her to dedicate herself to opposing Islamist extremism and promoting interfaith cooperation.
The conversation addressed extremist ideology on college campuses, the role of moderate Muslim leaders, and growing interfaith coalitions working to combat antisemitism. Ali pointed to AMMWEC's National Coalition Against Antisemitism and Hate conference, which drew more than 70 organizations focused on defending religious liberty, democracy, and peaceful coexistence.
Ali stressed that most Muslims seek peace and freedom, but cautioned that silence amid extremism strengthens those spreading hatred. She called on Americans across faiths to unite in defense of democracy, religious liberty, and shared national values.